As a Cisco employee of over 20 years, I have witnessed the power of the network. I am not talking about the millions of computing networks we have built and supported globally. I am talking about building anetwork for good. I have witnessed this power as an employee; when we're given the gift to be involved, learn, and experience activities where we give back to the communities in my home country of Colombia. Over the last two decades, I have gotten the opportunity to support people and organizations working miracles every day. Here are a few examples:

• Operacion Sonrisa (Operation Smile): Supporting cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries and changing lives.
• Habitat for Humanity: Helping to build houses for families in need.
• Banco de Alimentos de Bogota: Supporting hunger relief efforts during COVID-19 lockdowns.
• Save the Children:Supporting millions of migrants and refugees as they enter the country.
• WaterAid: Providing clean water to indigenous communities in desertic zones.

 Built into our culture

Since the beginning, Cisco has focused on powering an inclusive future for all by creating opportunities for people around the world. Supporting the communities where we live is a keystone within our company culture. Around the world, Cisco employees volunteer and give in their local communities - not only when an unfortunate disaster arises, but also when looking to bring educational opportunities and economic empowerment, or to meet critical needs that bring human dignity to vulnerable communities. 

The Cisco Foundation supports Cisco employees' efforts to team with non-profit organizations (NPO) and non-governmental organizations (NGO). It motivates employees by matching volunteer hours and donations in support of different causes. These matching gifts enable employees to multiply the impact on the NPOs and NGOs and the communities they serve.

Writing a new chapter: Celebrating mindfully

At the end of 2021, Cisco celebrated 25 years of operating in Colombia. Among many memorable activities, we wanted to celebrate by giving back to our communities in need, so we worked with an NGO calledFundaci